No Lazy Sunday

Some kids play soccer... or baseball. Fletch tried those. I'll be honest with you... I don't think he's ever going to be much of an athlete. There are worse fates.

But today, Fletcher rocked the house.

A couple of weeks ago, Britton asked Fletcher if he'd be interested in falconry. She'd seen an ad in the back of Valley Kids for quite a while and thought it sounded like something he'd like to do. Fletch agreed... excitedly. So this morning we made the trek up to Hadley to New England Falconry.

We came up on a typical New England field, barn and all...

From Falconry Class

Look close along the tree line... there was even a deer watching us. Chris Davis, the falconer, got the birds ready for us.

From Falconry Class

First we were introduced to the birds. They are Harris' Hawks and are native to the southwestern U.S.

From Falconry Class

There were two adult birds and one juvenile.

From Falconry Class

We were then shown the equipment... and how it is used.

From Falconry Class

From Falconry Class

Chris put on his vest with the bag of meat and selected the adult male to get him prepared for the session. He attached a radio transmitter in case the hawk decided to make a break for it.

From Falconry Class

He showed Fletcher how to release the bird.

From Falconry Class

And how to hold your arm and let him land on the glove.

From Falconry Class

Pretty soon, Fletcher was doing it with his assistance... just a little flinch.

From Falconry Class

And then all by himself.

From Falconry Class

By the end of the session, Fletcher looked like a pro.

From Falconry Class

From Falconry Class

From Falconry Class

Falconry Class from Joe Bullock on Vimeo.

I'll admit... I was a little jealous. I can't wait for his next class.